The howl of a wolf, which can be heard as far away as ten miles, evokes deep-seated emotions from awe to fear. This call of the wild reminds us of our ancestral past. People have a love/hate relationship with the wolf. We see the good and bad in us in them. The wolf has powers we wish to emulate such as pack loyalty and hunting prowess. Their social and intelligent behavior mirrors our own. The wolf also reminds us of evil, death, darkness and blood lust savagery as depicted by legends of werewolves and childhood tales such as Little Red Riding Hood and Peter and the Wolf.

It is no surprise that wolves were hunted to near extinction. Fortunately, there is a consciousness to save the wolf. <o:p></o:p>
In order to dispel fact from fiction we will briefly explore the natural history and behavior of the wolf. You will learn why the wolf went from valued archetype and totem to despised creature of darkness. <o:p></o:p>
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http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/../images/dacianflag.jpg <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> Dacian Wolf
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Wolflore in Europe: Wolves in European History were once considered powerful totem animals and spirit guides. Once man went from hunter/gatherer to agrarian (farmer) the wolf was no longer admired but rather despised, as he became a threat to livestock. During the Middle Ages numerous negative myths and fables developed about wolves. Wolves were hunted down to near extinction. The last wolf in England was killed in the 1500s. In Scotland the last wolf was killed in the mid-1700s. A few endangered European wolves remain in Northern Italy, parts of Germany and in Eastern Europe as well as Russia.<o:p></o:p>
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Wolves in Ancient History: Wolves definitely had a place in the mythos of the ancient world. In the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, the goddess Ishtar had the power to turn enemies into wolves. In Greek mythology, Charon, the ferryman, wore wolf ears. Hecate, the goddess of Death, was shown as wearing three wolf heads. In another Greek myth, a king named Lycaon was turned into a wolf by the god Zeus.

The name Lycaon survives today, in the gray wolf subspecies Canis Lupius Lycoan, the eastern timber wolf.) The Athenians had great respect for the wolf and decreed that any man who killed one had to pay for the funeral for the animal.<o:p></o:p>
Rome also had a strong legendary connection with the wolf.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/../images/romulusremus.jpg

The twins Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf. Romulus and Remus were sons of Mars, god of war and Rhea Silvia, daughter of King Numitor of Alba Longa. His brother Amulius overthrew King Numitor. The greedy uncle ordered his nephews, Romulus and Remus cast into the Tiber River. They were rescued by a she-wolf who cared for them until a herdsman found and raised them. Romulus and Remus grew and after reclaiming Alba Longa for King Numitor, the brothers began plans for a city near the site of their rescue on the banks of the Tiber. During a quarrel over the city’s name, Romulus killed Remus. He then built the city, giving it his name.<o:p></o:p>
It was common to associate the wolf with the birth of great men and people. The legend of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf was not unique. In myth Irish King Cormac was suckled by a she-wolf and was always accompanied by wolves. Turkic clans who traversed central Asia, migrated to Asia Minor and conquered Byzantium traced their ancestry to founders suckled and raised by wolves. Today Turks still honor the wolf. A nationalistic political group in modern Turkey calls its members the Gray Wolves. Genghis Khan traced his ancestry back to the Siberian Blue Wolf. He was a great warrior and shaman who identified himself as a wolf. <o:p></o:p>
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Norse Mythology and the Wolf: Odin, ruler of the Norse Gods had a special affection for the wolf. After Odin helped create the earth he decided he needed loyal companions, so he made two wolves, Freki (Hungry One) and Geri (Greedy One). Along with his two ravens, Hugin (Thought) and Munin (Memory), the wolves accompanied him everywhere. The ravens located game and the wolves made the kill. Together they would feast on the flesh. Today ravens and wolves are commonly seen together. One hypothesis states that ravens may have encouraged pack behavior in wolves because the fewer wolves to guard the kill the more meat the ravens steal.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/../images/odinandwolves.jpg
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When Odin created the first man and woman, Embla and Ask he told them to learn from the wolf. He explained that the wolf would teach them how to hunt, raise a family and how to protect each other. Once, Odin had children who were both wolf and human. They were called Vosung (Wolf Young) and Wulfsung (Wolfsong). It is said they shape-shifted into mighty wolves during battle. <o:p></o:p>
Vikings believed that to be a Wolf Brother, a member of the wolf clan, Ulfhedna was the greatest honor. Viking warriors who died bravely in battle would turn into magnificent wolves after they died. On the Day of Destiny, Ragnarok, a giant wolf named Fenris would devour Odin, thus ending his reign.<o:p></o:p>
Norse myth even believed that wolves chasing and devouring the sun and moon caused lunar and solar eclipses. The great wolf Hati is always chasing the moon and Skoll chases the sun.
(Note: I love Norse wolf myths. This is why I had to write my novel, Beast Warrior : Viking Werewolf) Check out my Book Club questions on my blog http://evagordon.blogspot.com
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Wolf as Universal Archetype: Indo European people with origins in the Caucasus region such as the Vikings, Celts, Mycenaeans, Dorians, Anglos, Saxons, and Germanic tribes all practiced various forms of shamanic religions.

The oldest mainland European civilization, the Celts, worshiped the wolves as companions of the gods.

As a hunting people of the forests, mountains and steppes they often encountered the wolf. Watching and learning from wolves helped them learn skills for survival. The wolf became the universal archetype of loyal protector, teacher, and great hunter. It is no wonder that man domesticated the dog as the ultimate companion.<o:p></o:p>
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The Wolf Becomes Man’s Foe: Since hunting was the primary focus of the early Europeans history, it is obvious why the wolf, with great hunting skills, strong senses, vocalizations, and a tight knit family bond were respected and admired. So why did the wolf lose its appeal to mankind?

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In the New Testament Jesus is a shepherd symbolically protecting his lambs from the savage wolf. Wolves are now also seen as servants of Satan who help carry souls to the Underworld. Wolves killing sheep was now equated with evil. Their images soon took on the look of a snarling drooling lustful beast. The wolf in children’s stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and Peter and the Wolf now evoke fear. It is no wonder the wolf was nearly wiped out of Europe.

Note: We know that children today often disappear, taken by child molesters and the police are left with cold cases. In the past children were also taken and never heard from again. Wolf stories may have been told to scare the children into not wondering off. Today it's beware of the big bad stranger.

One should note that not all herding people feared the wolf. Reindeer-herders of Siberia and Finland lived side by side with the wolf without any problems.

On Wednesday I will take a brief look at the werewolf as ultimate foe of man.

Optional assignment create a myth about a wolf.

Savanna Kougar

February 8th, 2010, 06:37 PM

Eva, absolutely fascinating and enlightening.
Since my heritage is Celtic and Viking, overall... no wonder I have such a natural affinity for the wolf.

I should have done more study about all this! My only excuse is that it's difficult to keep up with everything!!!

evagordon

February 8th, 2010, 06:42 PM

Eva, absolutely fascinating and enlightening.
Since my heritage is Celtic and Viking, overall... no wonder I have such a natural affinity for the wolf.

I should have done more study about all this! My only excuse is that it's difficult to keep up with everything!!!

That explains it.

Savanna Kougar

February 8th, 2010, 06:57 PM

Okay, I was going post an excerpt from a WIP titled ~ The Black Wolf's Prophetess, about a wolf myth I created. However, I think it's too explicit.

However, these part aren't ~

The first kingdom of Atlantis ~ 202, 366 days after The Arrival on the blue planet, Earth

Shellah, Second Princess of the Fauna Originators Dynasty, rubbed her bare upper arms against the slight chill of the evening air. Restless, worried, she stepped forward, leaning on her balcony wall for support. Scanning the splendor of the dark teal blue sky, she was aware she substituted the strength of the alabaster stone for the support she didn’t feel inside herself, from her own True Spirit. Yet, in sacred truth, was there any other choice for her?
She was the only one qualified, the only genetic-creator knowledgeable enough to succeed in the human-animal split project, as decided upon by the Earth Salvation Council, after years of study and divisive debate-battles. Shellah blinked, her eyes overly dry from her unshed tears, the ones she could no longer cry. Crossing her arms again, she gazed at the bright-shimmer beauty of the two satellites in rotation with each other. In low orbit, they provided a harmonic balance for the planet, regulating the great oceans.
She sighed softly, hearing his footsteps approach. She hadn’t meant to awaken her lover by leaving their shared bed. Why burden him with what could not be undone? Or with the pain constantly spiking through her heart over what she was about to accomplish. Shellah owned no doubt she could genetically fulfill what had been decreed as the wisest protection for their paradise world. After all, she and her team had already populated the planet with new species of mammal life, currently flourishing for several generations now.
“D’markos,” she gently murmured his name, just before his arms wrapped around her from behind. Comforting, yet with the passion that always flowed between them, a beautiful raging current.
“The animal split project?” he asked, the tender huskiness of his voice soothing her. He caressed her arms, then floated caresses over her loins. “You know, my sweetness, I have dwelled long upon which animal form I would choose.” His tone lightly teased her, and waited for her playful response.
“Dwelled long and with utmost deliberation, I am to believe,” she lightly returned, allowing him to lift her heart to more lightness. Gently she stroked her palms over his hands. “Which one, my lover?”
“Why the one most suited to your voracious libido, my fierce lover.” His voice growled passion near her ear. “And the one most devoted in his protection and love.” His lips brushed down the rim of her ear, causing sizzle-tingles of desire to roam her flesh.
“And no doubt a beast to match your primitive hungers...lover,” she challenged, her voice low and breathless. Sensually Shellah leaned back into his hardening embrace, her body molten.
“A canine beast,” he whispered, nipping her ear lobe. “Guess which one.” He swept long strokes down her hips and thighs, his hands sliding the sheer red fabric of her night sheath over her skin.
***
“Promise me.” His voice was cave-deep serious as he gently stroked up her arm. “Promise me, my Shellah, when you create your Human-Wolf split, you will design the Man’s physique for me. That if we choose to incarnate in the future, I will be your Man-Wolf.”
Feeling like gossamer as she turned within his strong embrace, she pressed a kiss on his bold broad shoulder. “Yes, my lover,” she whispered against his beautiful dark brown skin.

evagordon

February 8th, 2010, 08:24 PM

Okay, I was going post an excerpt from a WIP titled ~ The Black Wolf's Prophetess, about a wolf myth I created. However, I think it's too explicit.

However, these part aren't ~

The first kingdom of Atlantis ~ 202, 366 days after The Arrival on the blue planet, Earth

Shellah, Second Princess of the Fauna Originators Dynasty, rubbed her bare upper arms against the slight chill of the evening air. Restless, worried, she stepped forward, leaning on her balcony wall for support. Scanning the splendor of the dark teal blue sky, she was aware she substituted the strength of the alabaster stone for the support she didn’t feel inside herself, from her own True Spirit. Yet, in sacred truth, was there any other choice for her?
She was the only one qualified, the only genetic-creator knowledgeable enough to succeed in the human-animal split project, as decided upon by the Earth Salvation Council, after years of study and divisive debate-battles. Shellah blinked, her eyes overly dry from her unshed tears, the ones she could no longer cry. Crossing her arms again, she gazed at the bright-shimmer beauty of the two satellites in rotation with each other. In low orbit, they provided a harmonic balance for the planet, regulating the great oceans.
She sighed softly, hearing his footsteps approach. She hadn’t meant to awaken her lover by leaving their shared bed. Why burden him with what could not be undone? Or with the pain constantly spiking through her heart over what she was about to accomplish. Shellah owned no doubt she could genetically fulfill what had been decreed as the wisest protection for their paradise world. After all, she and her team had already populated the planet with new species of mammal life, currently flourishing for several generations now.
“D’markos,” she gently murmured his name, just before his arms wrapped around her from behind. Comforting, yet with the passion that always flowed between them, a beautiful raging current.
“The animal split project?” he asked, the tender huskiness of his voice soothing her. He caressed her arms, then floated caresses over her loins. “You know, my sweetness, I have dwelled long upon which animal form I would choose.” His tone lightly teased her, and waited for her playful response.
“Dwelled long and with utmost deliberation, I am to believe,” she lightly returned, allowing him to lift her heart to more lightness. Gently she stroked her palms over his hands. “Which one, my lover?”
“Why the one most suited to your voracious libido, my fierce lover.” His voice growled passion near her ear. “And the one most devoted in his protection and love.” His lips brushed down the rim of her ear, causing sizzle-tingles of desire to roam her flesh.
“And no doubt a beast to match your primitive hungers...lover,” she challenged, her voice low and breathless. Sensually Shellah leaned back into his hardening embrace, her body molten.
“A canine beast,” he whispered, nipping her ear lobe. “Guess which one.” He swept long strokes down her hips and thighs, his hands sliding the sheer red fabric of her night sheath over her skin.
***
“Promise me.” His voice was cave-deep serious as he gently stroked up her arm. “Promise me, my Shellah, when you create your Human-Wolf split, you will design the Man’s physique for me. That if we choose to incarnate in the future, I will be your Man-Wolf.”
Feeling like gossamer as she turned within his strong embrace, she pressed a kiss on his bold broad shoulder. “Yes, my lover,” she whispered against his beautiful dark brown skin.

D'markos sounds so yummy. Can he be my Man-Wolf?

Tambra

February 10th, 2010, 12:02 AM

Hi Eva,
Here's my myth:
The Celtic Moon Goddesses stood in the shape of a horseshoe and watched as The Great Goddess dipped her hand into the Cauldron of Life, she blew upon her hand and thus the wolf was created. Stroking her palm against the silky fur, she said, "I bless you with cunning and intelligence but also with wisdom and regal beauty. For those who come to seek The Way, you shall have the honor of leading the chosen few to me."

The wolf bowed his head acknowledging the Great Goddess.

Cerridwen rose and turned to other goddesses. From each hand she gently scooped a silvery orb of light then turned to wolf.
One by one she placed the magickal essences into her creation. In one voice the deities spoke, "For you are of the night, such as we are. In homage to us, your night song will echo and reach our ears. We are pleased. Go to mortal earth, yet in your mind do not forget you are wild and precious."
And so the wolf was created by the Great Goddess and sings his song to them by his howls to the moon.
Submitted by Tambra Kendall (who is going to use this! LOL)

Optional assignment create a myth about a wolf.
[/quote]

Tambra

February 10th, 2010, 12:06 AM

[quote=Savanna Kougar;108246]Okay, I was going post an excerpt from a WIP titled ~ The Black Wolf's Prophetess, about a wolf myth I created. However, I think it's too explicit.

However, these part aren't ~

Savanna,
I loved this!

Tambra

evagordon

February 10th, 2010, 12:24 AM

Hi Eva,
Here's my myth:
The Celtic Moon Goddesses stood in the shape of a horseshoe and watched as The Great Goddess dipped her hand into the Cauldron of Life, she blew upon her hand and thus the wolf was created. Stroking her palm against the silky fur, she said, "I bless you with cunning and intelligence but also with wisdom and regal beauty. For those who come to seek The Way, you shall have the honor of leading the chosen few to me."

The wolf bowed his head acknowledging the Great Goddess.

Cerridwen rose and turned to other goddesses. From each hand she gently scooped a silvery orb of light then turned to wolf.
One by one she placed the magickal essences into her creation. In one voice the deities spoke, "For you are of the night, such as we are. In homage to us, your night song will echo and reach our ears. We are pleased. Go to mortal earth, yet in your mind do not forget you are wild and precious."
And so the wolf was created by the Great Goddess and sings his song to them by his howls to the moon.
Submitted by Tambra Kendall (who is going to use this! LOL)

Optional assignment create a myth about a wolf.
[/quote]

Love it. In my stories a goddess created my lycans. The feminine aspect can relate to the wolf's loyalty and devotion to her/his pack.

Tambra

February 10th, 2010, 12:51 AM

Love it. In my stories a goddess created my lycans. The feminine aspect can relate to the wolf's loyalty and devotion to her/his pack.[/quote]

Your stories are at the top of my TBB list.

Thanks so much for the feedback. Most of my work is Celt/Scottish.

Hugs,
Tambra

Savanna Kougar

February 10th, 2010, 03:16 AM

D'markos sounds so yummy. Can he be my Man-Wolf?

Eva, well he's already mated. However, he has two brothers in his current lifetime.

Savanna Kougar

February 10th, 2010, 03:18 AM

The wolf bowed his head acknowledging the Great Goddess.

Cerridwen rose and turned to other goddesses. From each hand she gently scooped a silvery orb of light then turned to wolf.
One by one she placed the magickal essences into her creation. In one voice the deities spoke, "For you are of the night, such as we are. In homage to us, your night song will echo and reach our ears. We are pleased. Go to mortal earth, yet in your mind do not forget you are wild and precious."
And so the wolf was created by the Great Goddess and sings his song to them by his howls to the moon.
Submitted by Tambra Kendall (who is going to use this! LOL)

Tambra, absolutely beautiful. Singing to the Goddess, especially.

Savanna Kougar

February 10th, 2010, 03:20 AM

Savanna,
I loved this!

Tambra

Tambra, thank you! Loved yours, too!

rebelheart

February 18th, 2010, 12:31 AM

Eva, I wanted to thank you for teaching this class and for all the time you spent answering questions. I had the weirdest dream last night of the twins suckling on the she-wolf, only I can't remember it now. Something about having her as a pet and reaching out to pet her. Must have been all that talk about wolves and pet hybrids.

I had the weirdest dream last night of the twins suckling on the she-wolf, only I can't remember it now. Something about having her as a pet and reaching out to pet her. Must have been all that talk about wolves and pet hybrids.

Rebelheart, I think this is your innermost nature and your connection to the wolves or Wolf Spirit.

Eva, what do you think?

And thank you!!! This is a fantastic wolfie seminar in all ways.

evagordon

February 18th, 2010, 10:21 AM

Rebelheart, I think this is your innermost nature and your connection to the wolves or Wolf Spirit.

Eva, what do you think?

And thank you!!! This is a fantastic wolfie seminar in all ways.

Cool. I think you went into the story of Romulus and Remus, kind of like a time traveler.

evagordon

February 18th, 2010, 10:33 AM

Eva, I wanted to thank you for teaching this class and for all the time you spent answering questions. I had the weirdest dream last night of the twins suckling on the she-wolf, only I can't remember it now. Something about having her as a pet and reaching out to pet her. Must have been all that talk about wolves and pet hybrids.